Why Do You Want This Job?

We recommend throwing this open-ended question out in the beginning or toward the end of your interview for a few reasons. First off, it obviously puts the candidate on the spot (just a little bit), and the response will give you a bit of insight into how he or she handles pressure. Secondly, it should give you a glimpse into exactly how she's viewing this job. Is it to fill time until she gets into school, a segue into the education field, or her long-term career plan?